What’s the one thing you look for in a weekend away? For us, it’s activities and adventure suitable for the whole family, and boy does Rotorua deliver on this in every way; cultural, adrenaline, exploration, family walks – it has it all.
Before arriving we scrolled through BookMe to see which adventures we could try and get a little cheaper as well as helping us to decide which ones we were going to add to our list. Now, because this was not our first rodeo, I will add in a few activities we have done on past trips to give you a clear idea of all that’s on offer.
If it’s culture you’re looking for, as well as something that will engage the tamariki (kids) The Buried Village museum is a hidden gem. On arrival, it doesn’t look like much but we ended up spending close on 2 hours just exploring and learning all about the 1886 Mnt Tarawera volcanic eruption. There was heaps to look at and even an artefacts excavation corner for the kids. For the slightly older kids, I’d say 4+ there was a ‘treasure’ hunt along the way. At each exhibition which is both inside and outside, you had to discover clues according to the previous riddle given. Our little ones were a bit young, but my big man child had fun trying to find the clues first. An amazing way to keep the kids engaged along the way. The outdoor exhibition of the museum was incredible, it’s more of a living museum with dwellings that have been recreated and endless gardens to explore. At one of the intersections, you can choose to do the waterfall walk or a straight walk back to the start. The waterfall is breathtaking and very much worth the extra steps if you are capable. It is steep at parts so watch the little ones and it’s not suitable for prams. At the end you are welcomed by the cafe and little playground to rest those feet. Well worth the drive and through BookMe it only cost us $25 dollars all up. Kids under 5 were free.
The drive back to Rotorua town does not disappoint, the lush green forests and gorgeous blue lake that you follow allow for a very enjoyable drive. 15 minutes into the drive, you will come across the Redwood Forest. This is a site to be seen both day and night. During the day you truly get to explore this magnificent forest and appreciate the size and red hue of the trees all around you. Paths are easy to walk and prams are welcomed. The tree top walk is also incredible, especially at night where the pathway lights and lanterns are the only source of light. It is truly magical. Be aware that if you take kids they have to be able to walk independently. No front or backpacks are allowed on the tree top walk.
There is only one place for the adrenaline junkies. SKYLINE. There are so many different activities for example skyswing, zip-line and the mountain bike park. But our favourite is the luging – basically go-karting down the mountain. You will first ascend the mountain in a gondola, which is great for the views, grab a helmet and head to your cart to feel the wind in your hair and the speed pumping through your veins. If you have little ones joining you, if they are between 85cm – 109cm tall, they will ride tandem with an adult.
A few other activities that we had done on a previous trip to Rotorua and are absolutely worth the visit if you have time, would be mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa forest – you can hire all the equipment there through Mountain bike Rotorua. These are some of the most incredible trails and tracks we have seen. Think pristine cut tracks in lush forests with different trails for all capabilities. Check out TrailForks for a map of the labyrinth of intricate trails. After a morning or afternoon of trails, I would highly recommend the Secret Spot for a cold beverage or bite to eat. You can also book hot pools, but in the restaurant area there are foot pools to use for free. It’s set in a beautiful gardenesque area looking onto the forest. The perfect spot to relax, and kids are welcome too. Rotorua is build on geothermal energy and it would be a sin to not go and experience one of the geysers, mud pools or geothermal valleys. We absolutely loved Wai O Tapu where you can lay witness to Lady Knox and the Champagne Pool. The colours are so vibrant. It’s fascinating what our great earth produces in these areas. Once again, be sure to check out BookMe for great discounts and even cheaper hotel transfers.
There is so much more to do in Rotorua, but these were the few we really enjoyed with the kids.